U.S. marine a suspect in killing of transgender Filipino

Tuesday, October 14, 2014 - 01:15

A U.S. marine is named a suspect as police investigate the killing of a transgender Filipino. Yiming Woo reports.

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Family members mourn the death of transgender Flipino Jeffrey Laude.
Also known as Jenny, Laude was found strangled on Saturday night.
A U.S. marine has been named a suspect in the case.
Laude's sister is appealing for justice.
(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) SISTER OF VICTIM JEFFR EY 'JENNY' LAUDE, MARILOU LAUDE, SAYING:
"The case must be fair, it must not be one-sided, especially that a foreigner is involved. He may have done it without much regard, killed him just like that because he was gay."
Protesters in Manila want the suspect to be handed over to Philippine custody.
(SOUNDBITE) (Filipino) SPOKESPERSON OF LEAGUE OF FILIPINO STUDENTS, CHARLOTTE VELASCO, SAYING:
"He (suspect) must be imprisoned in our jails. He must not be babied by the likes of President Benigno Aquino, but passed on to our police, our authorities. This killing of Jenny Laude is a Philippine affair, it's not a foreign affair."
The body of 26-year-old Laude was found in this hotel in Olongapo City.
American troops there were on a break from military exercises with the Philippines.
U.S. officials have ordered two U.S. warships to remain in port until after the investigation is over.